Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Archway

Man with Van Archway is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, contractors, customers and members of the public. This Health and Safety Policy sets out the principles and procedures we follow to manage risks associated with our removals and transport services, including packing, loading, unloading and delivery of items.

Our goal is to prevent accidents, injuries and ill health by identifying hazards, assessing risks and implementing suitable control measures. We also seek to continuously improve our health and safety performance through regular monitoring, training and communication.

Policy Aims and Responsibilities

The overall responsibility for health and safety within Man with Van Archway rests with the company management. Management will ensure that appropriate resources, information, instruction and training are provided so that this policy can be implemented effectively.

Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for day to day implementation of this policy on site and in vehicles. They must ensure that staff follow safe working practices, use equipment correctly and report any hazards or incidents promptly.

All employees and contractors have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. This includes cooperating with the company in implementing this policy, following provided guidance, and using protective equipment as instructed.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

We conduct risk assessments for our typical removal and delivery activities, including manual handling of furniture and goods, loading and unloading vehicles, and working in different types of premises. Where specific jobs present unusual or higher risks, a job specific assessment will be carried out before work begins.

Findings from risk assessments are used to establish safe systems of work. These may include measures such as using additional staff for heavy or awkward items, planning lifting routes, using appropriate equipment, and scheduling work to reduce time pressures that can lead to unsafe behaviour.

All staff are informed of relevant risks and control measures and are expected to follow the agreed safe working procedures at all times.

Manual Handling and Lifting

As a removals company, manual handling is a core part of our activities. To reduce the risk of injury, we follow the principles of safe lifting and carrying:

We plan each lift in advance, assessing the weight, size, shape and stability of the item. Where an item is too heavy or awkward for a single person, a team lift or suitable equipment such as trolleys or dollies will be used.

Staff are instructed on correct lifting techniques, including keeping loads close to the body, using leg muscles rather than the back, avoiding twisting while lifting, and taking regular breaks from repetitive tasks.

Customers may be asked to inform us in advance about particularly heavy, fragile or unusual items so that we can allocate sufficient staff and equipment.

Use of Equipment and Vehicles

All equipment used during removals, such as trolleys, straps, blankets and ramps, will be maintained in a safe condition and inspected regularly. Faulty or damaged equipment must be taken out of use immediately and reported so that repairs or replacements can be arranged.

Our vehicles will be kept roadworthy and serviced in line with manufacturer recommendations and legal requirements. Drivers must carry out basic safety checks before use and report any defects without delay.

Loads will be secured properly to prevent movement during transit. Care will be taken to distribute weight evenly and avoid overloading. Doors, tailgates and ramps must be used safely to prevent falls, trapped fingers or other injuries.

Working at Premises

Our staff work at a variety of domestic and commercial premises. On arrival, they will assess access routes, stairways, lifts, parking and external areas to identify any safety issues such as trip hazards, poor lighting or restricted access.

Where necessary, we may request that access routes are cleared or that items are moved to more accessible areas before work begins. If conditions are unsafe, work may need to be postponed or alternative arrangements discussed with the customer.

Special care will be taken when moving items in shared or public areas to protect members of the public. Signs or verbal warnings may be used where appropriate to alert others to moving loads and vehicle movements.

Training, Information and Supervision

Man with Van Archway provides appropriate training and information to all staff so that they can carry out their work safely and competently. This includes induction training on company procedures, manual handling, vehicle and equipment use, and emergency actions.

Refresher training will be provided where necessary, particularly when new equipment, vehicles or methods of work are introduced. Less experienced staff will be supervised until they are competent to work independently.

Health and safety information, including this policy and any specific instructions for jobs, will be communicated clearly to all relevant staff.

Accidents, Incidents and Near Misses

All accidents, incidents and near misses must be reported to management as soon as possible. Records will be kept so that patterns can be identified and appropriate actions taken to prevent recurrence.

Where required, incidents will be reported to the relevant authorities in line with legal obligations. We will investigate incidents to identify underlying causes and make improvements to procedures, equipment or training where necessary.

Customer and Public Safety

We take reasonable steps to protect the safety of customers and the public while we are carrying out removals. We will aim to keep access routes clear, minimise noise and disruption, and move vehicles safely in residential and commercial areas.

Customers are asked to keep children and pets away from loading areas and moving vehicles, and to follow any safety advice given by our staff during the job.

Health, Welfare and Wellbeing

We recognise the importance of general health and wellbeing in preventing accidents and ill health. Staff are encouraged to report any health issues that could affect their ability to carry out work safely, such as back problems or fatigue.

Regular breaks will be taken during long or physically demanding jobs to reduce the risk of strain and tiredness. Drinking water and suitable rest periods will be made available where practicable.

Review of this Policy

This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed regularly and updated when necessary, including when there are changes to legislation, company activities or identified risks. All staff will be informed of any significant changes.

By following this policy, Man with Van Archway aims to provide a professional and safe removal service for customers while protecting the health, safety and welfare of everyone involved in our operations.